Lode Runner Classic shows up for Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone too [Video]

Although Contract Killer was known to be coming to Xbox LIVE today (and sure enough, it’s out) it looks like Microsoft slipped in a 2nd title—Lode Runner Classic.

The game fetches for $2.99 and is a throwback to the old school arcade games from the 1980s. In fact, many of you will have childhood flashbacks with this one as it was quite popular with home PC systems which include the Apple II series, the Atari 8-bit family, the VIC-20, the Commodore 64 and the IBM PC and it’s known to be the first game with a level editor.

Gameplay is straightforward—run through mazes and do things. Okay, we’re way oversimplifying as this game actually has a lot going on for it (just see the tutorials). There are an included 150 levels which should keep people busy for a long time and it seems like a fair amount of gameplay versus what you’re paying for it.

Check our video hands on and more details after the break...

The music is dark and Sci-Fi and the optional game controls should make everyone happy—heck you can even customize colors in the game. Other features include:

150 puzzling levels – all unlocked and accessible

Clever, non-disposable enemies

New magnification effect – zoom the action around the Runner

Multiple play speeds – super slow to superfast action

2 control schemes – virtual D-pad and touch controls

Illustrated How to Play section

Xbox LIVE Achievements and Leaderboards

We haven’t had too much time to play with it but as you can see with our video above, so far we’re actually really liking this and we think it’s a keeper. Head here to the Marketplace to pick up the trial of the game. Thanks, Scott W., for the tip!

Well said Daniel. The hysteria and over use of "excitable" language in most comments section makes me laugh. (See "I've been screwed re: Lumia" :) )
In the UK, my Starbucks coffee with Caramel is 2.90 UK pounds. That's about $4.30 of your US dollars.

So basically, I pee out more than the cost of this game at the urinal LOL
Yet they still complain. Over bloated sense of entitlement. I despair.

I had to chime in here. Your 2.90 UK/$4.30 US Coffee is your choice, and personally, I love coffee but, that's just crazy. It's also your choice, you want a taste and they are the only ones who have it, so you pay it.

As for the game in question. They took an old game (I believe it was for the NES, just get VNESlight and the rom to save $2.00) put a on screen controller on it and added xbox achievements and they are charging $3 for it. If they enhanced the old game in a way, say updated the grapics a little bit or sound, or something to "update" it, I can see charging $3.

My problem is, this same app (I would like to be proven wrong if it is more), is no more than $0.99 for Android or iOS. I would almost bet on it... And... It's a Emulated classic game for $2 more than it should be.

I don't care whether its on other platforms, or comparing it. Thats irrelevant.
If you have a Windows Phone, you need the Windows version.
My comparison was to show that a micropayment of 4 dollars for a coffee, which to a western living consumer who can afford a phone on contract and a computer and internet connection and electricity etc etc can spend 4 dollars like it doesn't matter, its not even significant.
This game price is likewise insignificant, if you want the game - quite moaning and pay the stupidly small amount of money and play. If not, shut up, don't buy it and move along. There is no need for anyone to quesion this amount for a game, its a non debate - just children or freeloaders with a screwed up sense of value.

Are most children? I can afford 2.99, its all up to the app. If I want it or not. Personal preference. If you buy it at least if you uninstall it you can install it for free again. Can't do that with a lot of other things.

Yea, $2.99 Yikes ! Looks like fun but, unless they did some upgrading.... come on, I know we like classic games but, couldnt they do some minor HD upgrades to it to make it feel a little newer. Then it might be worth $2.99.

Otherwise it's just a port with a plugin for onscreen controler and xbox achivements... $0.99 yes, $2.99 no.

Too bad, It looks "fun" but, Unless it's a really good deal, am not buying any more WP7 games, as fall will be here before you know it and would prefer to buy games for my new Window Phone 8 device (yea, worthy games).

At least play the trial before you knock it. This isn't a 1 day wrapping of a ROM. It's a full port/remake with graphics that honour the original, awesome music, and a choice of d-pad or touch controls. You can see they've spent a lot of effort on it.

Glad I "tried". Controls a compromise for touch screen. Good try, but not worth it for me. Thanks for the C64 flashback.
I'm hoping the 7.8 upgrade enables that hidden slideout gamepad on the Lumia 900 that no one has noticed.